Pokémon Trick or Trade Packs: What’s Inside and Why Kids Love Them
Halloween hits differently when Pokémon is involved.
Every year, collectors of all ages look forward to Pokémon’s Trick or Trade packs, mini boosters filled with spooky versions of Pokémon characters we all love.
But 2025’s release has been a bit of a mystery.
Some creators claimed the bundles were coming back with new cards. Others pointed out that no official announcement ever dropped.
Here’s what our Goat Armor Scooby Doo gang uncovered after a little investigating: As of right now (early October), it looks like Trick or Trade 2025 is skipping a full new release in favor of something different: Pokéween events, older packs, and a brand-new Spiritomb promo card. Zoinks!
What’s Actually Inside the 2025 Trick or Trade Packs
Here’s what’s really happening this year.
Instead of launching an all-new Trick or Trade set, The Pokémon Company seems to be repackaging older bundles from previous years, primarily the 2023 and 2024 sets. Each mini pack still contains three reprinted cards, usually featuring ghost, dark, or Halloween-themed Pokémon like Gengar, Zubat, Mimikyu, and Pumpkaboo.
The cards themselves are still marked with the iconic pumpkin Pikachu stamp, but there are no confirmed 2025-exclusive designs. So, if you see listings for “2025 Trick or Trade” products online (especially on unofficial sites like eBay or Shein), know that many of those are fan-made or unlicensed repacks, not official Pokémon releases.
That said, Pokéween 2025 is introducing a few fun new twists:
- Spiritomb Promo Card: This year’s official event-exclusive promo is a holo Spiritomb with a Pokéween logo, given out to event attendees.
- Pokémon GO Codes: Some attendees have also reported receiving in-game codes as part of their event kits.
- Old Trick or Trade Packs: Play! Pokémon locations are distributing leftover Trick or Trade boosters from past years as part of their Halloween celebrations.
You can see the official Pokéween announcement on Pokemon.com, which confirms the event and promo distribution but makes no mention of a brand-new 2025 set.
The Confusion Around “Trick or Trade 2025”
If you’ve been following TCG YouTubers, you probably saw mixed messages. Several channels reported in August that Trick or Trade 2025 was confirmed, mentioning exclusive cards like a pumpkin Pikachu and Zubat.
But by early October, Reddit threads in r/PokemonTCG told a different story. Players noticed the complete lack of official listings or preorder pages.
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One Reddit user summed it up best:
“Usually, the announcement for Trick or Trade is made around June, and the release is either August 31st or September 1st. Yet... nada.” |
That seems to line up with what’s actually happening. Officially, there’s no 2025 set just older packs being reused for the Pokéween event.
It’s not the end of Trick or Trade, but it’s definitely a quieter year for the Halloween drop.
Why Kids Still Love Trick or Trade Packs
Even with the confusion, the appeal hasn’t faded. Kids still love these packs because they’re simple, collectible, and fun to trade. Each one feels like a tiny mystery.
The 3-card format makes it easy for younger collectors to start small. They get the joy of opening packs, sorting their pulls, and trying to complete the mini set. It’s a great way to introduce them to the hobby without the overwhelm or expense of standard booster boxes.
Parents love them too. They’re safe, sugar-free Halloween handouts that spark joy instead of allergies. And let’s be honest, a lot of parents sneak a few packs for themselves, too (myself included).
Even though 2025’s packs may be repackaged, the excitement of opening one is the same. It’s about the thrill of the pull, the sparkle of a holo Gengar, and the Halloween memories made along the way.
Collector Tips for 2025
If you’re grabbing Trick or Trade packs this year (new or old), here’s how to make the most of them:
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Know What You’re Buying: The official bundles from 2023 and 2024 each have 35 mini packs. Anything claiming to be “2025-exclusive” with Prisma branding is not official.
- Keep a Sealed Pack: Even reprints can become nostalgic collectibles down the line.
- Display Them Right: Use a sturdy, side-loading binder like our Goat Armor 4-Pocket "Stay Flat" Binder for the perfect small-set showcase.
- Attend Pokéween: Check your local Play! Pokémon store for the official event and snag that Spiritomb promo card while you can.
It’s Not Halloween Without a Little Pokémon Magic
Whether this year brings brand-new art or just a re-release, Trick or Trade still captures what makes Pokémon collecting so fun: the community, the creativity, and the thrill of the unknown.
So even if 2025’s packs aren’t entirely new, the spirit of Pokéween lives on. Hand them out to trick-or-treaters, build your own spooky-themed binder page, or trade them at local events.
After all, it’s not Halloween without a little Pokémon magic.
